Best Nikon Vlogging Camera

If you've ever felt like shooting some fluffy kittens frolicking about gleefully, or capturing a tranquil village and then again- shooting its peaceful inhabitants (and possibly also the local kitten population as well) don't worry!- 'cause you're not a power-crazed psycho. In fact, chances are- you just caught a vlogging bug!

That's right- and let me say that with the right kind of vlogging camera after you've done some shooting and capturing, you'll have only beautiful scenic images and footage to show as a result(and not so much chaos, corpses, and other nasty stuff). That being said, finding a proper camera model for your particular style of vlogging can give even the most experienced connoisseur a bit of a headache, so I've decided to help you out.

In this article, we'll look into the vlogging-friendly solutions coming from one of the most well-respected electronics-producing brands in the entire world - Nikon. Over the years they've been active on the market, they produced some pretty impressive pieces of filming equipment.

Whether we're talking mirrorless, DSLR, budget-friendly, or some other type, it'd be safe to say that the hard-working boys and girls at Nikon have surely made their version of it already, and it's probably selling like hot cakes, too! So, let's jump right into it then- here's a list of the models I've chosen, so that you can compare them after you've read the article:

Nikon Coolpix A300: Best Budget-Friendly Model

With an appearance of a bar of soap and all the crucial attributes of an affordable and vlogging-friendly camera, the Coolpix A300 represents the Nikon's take on a compact and efficient budget solution for vloggers. Within its rather small body, you may find some pretty impressive optical features, as the folks at Nikon spared no expense to make the A300 a competitive device in its price range.

Features

Boasting over 20 million effective pixels in place, the A300 offers a detailed display platform that will present to you even the smallest details the inbuilt lens is capable of capturing.

This is then back up by a powerful CCD image sensor which seals the deal when it comes to pixel optimization, so to speak. The design of the body, as I mentioned above, is somewhat more different than the models you'd be used to seeing so far, so to speak. It's not rough around the edges as much, and it features smooth material transitions all over, which sort of makes it look like a sized-up fair candy (or, indeed, as a bar of soap).

Performance

One of the interesting features that this Nikon's compact models possess, and which you won't really see that often in other cameras similar in size, and roughly at the same price point, would be the advanced connectivity that the A300 brings to the table.

First of all, there's the Wi-Fi module, helping you get your images and the footage you managed to capture across small to medium distances, and replay them almost immediately after you've shot them. Also, if you're working in a setting that doesn't require a long distance to work, you can just use the inbuilt Bluetooth Low Energy feature, for similar results.

Standing at a relatively inexpensive, budget-friendly price point, the A300 can be a perfect Nikon model for a rookie or just a person who considers themselves a casual user. All the crucial features are there, and the size is compact enough so that you can carry your camera everywhere without needing additional equipment.

Pros

16x Dynamic Fine Zoom

Sleek design with no rough edges

Comes with an inbuilt Wi-Fi connection

cons

Slow shutter release

Can't really be used in outdoors conditions

Nikon KeyMission 360: Best Action Model

Assuming the second position on our list, the Nikon KeyMission 360 is certainly a camera with a mission, and it's to deliver cutting-edge footage in tough and unforgiving environments. It comes in a unique rectangular design reminiscent of a futuristic kind of landmine you usually see in video games, and a stock weather-proof housing, for good measure.

Features

As far as odd and curious designs go, the KeyMission 360 certainly takes the cake as one of the weirder-looking models. It comes in a semi-cubical shape with a massive lens installed right in the middle of its little face, creating an impression of a cheeky and lovable Monoculus!

What's more, this curious contraption is actually completely waterproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof, making it one of the toughest optical devices currently on the market. All of these rugged qualities are firmly in place without an additional protective housing, which is quite an impressive move on the part of the Nikon designer team.

Performance

Other than possessing a funny shape and a build sturdy enough to withstand a badger attack in the middle of winter, the KeyMission 360 is pretty well technically equipped, as well. For example, it's got both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules built in, which gives you, even more, freedom to film at a distance or via a different device. (should you choose to connect it to your tablet or mobile phone)

Perhaps the biggest surprise when it comes to its technical well-preparedness, so to speak, would be the fact that it can shoot videos in 4K resolution, which is grand news for vlogger planning to take their vlogging sessions to the great outdoors and film underwater, or in some other hard-to-reach places.

Video Testing

Tough and plucky, the Nikon's KeyMission 360 is a gritty little bugger that can survive a nuclear blast and film the ordeal in 4k quality. Its properties make it a great solution for an active, outdoorsy vlogger who needs to be able to rely on their camera and film shoot with it through thick and thin.

Pros

Curious semi-cubical design

Waterproof, freezeproof and shockproof

Can film at 4K resolution

cons

Complicated Bluetooth setup

The app still needs some patches it seems

Nikon Coolpix W300: Best Compact Model

Another one in the long line of curiously-shaped Nikon cameras with a mighty bundle of electronics 'beneath the hood' would be the Coolpix W300 model. Even though this tough and compact camera were designed with predominantly durability and efficiency in mind, it doesn't lag far behind some of the performance-oriented models out there.

Features

When you first take a look at this camera, the sight may evoke certain imagery of tough construction work and heavy machinery, and let me just tell you that this isn't a coincidence.

Namely, since the primary purpose of this particular model is to be used in rough outdoor conditions, the designers at Nikon ensured that it comes with a durable body that can really take a punch if necessary.

Therefore, even if you don't have any additional protective equipment, like specialized cases or bags, you can rest assured that the W300 will fare rather well on its own, as its build is shockproof, dustproof, waterproof, you name it.

Also, it comes with a mighty Nikkor 5x optical zoom lens, ensuring that you'll be in the position to capture each and every detail from the scenery around you, no matter how bumpy your vlogging ride may get.

On the downside, this model doesn't come with a microphone input jack, so if great audio is your priority with cameras, you might want to consider buying some other model on this list.

Performance

When it comes to its communication prowess, so to speak, this camera might as well be one of the best-equipped models I've seen so far (in its price range, that is). With one of these mean machines on your side, you'll be able to use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and even an altimeter, for good measure.

To prove that the designers at Nikon really thought of everything with this model, I'll tell you that there's also an inbuilt depth gauge, which is a massive advantage for shooting underwater. Typically, digital cameras can only go about 30 meters deep when they're used underwater, so having a gauge that can warn you whenever you're about to get close to that critical point can truly save you some headache in the long run.

Boasting a massive advantage when it comes to not only underwater filming, but also outdoors use in general, the Nikon's Coolpix W300 can go where the majority of other models can't and still deliver breathtaking footage.

Pros

Great durability and performance in rugged environments

Easy controls

Comes with a depth gauge for underwater filming

cons

Doesn't come with a microphone input port

The zoom could have been a bit stronger

Nikon D5600: Best DSLR Semi-Pro

Representing the heavy-weight division of the Nikon's impressive line of cameras comes forth the mighty D5600- a camera that's borderline professional tier, that still has a relatively affordable price. With its bulky body and a convenient flip screen, this model can be an excellent choice for a vlogger interested in capturing some scenic footage and detailed images.

Features

If you've been worried about the maneuverability of the D5600, considering its rather chunky body (at least when compared to some other, more compact solutions), you may be relieved to know that this model at least comes with a flip screen.

This pretty much means that, even though you can't really handle this camera as swiftly as you'd like to, you certainly can move the flip screen about, so that you can film various objects at funny angles, and don't get arthritis from bending your-respectable-self too much. Also, the screen is operated by touch, so there isn't many buttons place on the body itself.

On the other hand, using it as an action-oriented camera wouldn't necessarily be a good idea, as it would be too heavy and definitely not adequately protected for such a task.

Performance

As for its shooting quality, one of the main components in charge would be the DX-Format CMOS Sensor, ensuring that the photos and the footage you film are of top-notch quality, pixel-wise. Also, the autofocus is on point and provides you with a timely reaction for every shot you're about to take.

All things considered, the D5600 would perform in areas where you can take your time with every shot, and concentrate on capturing every detail in the surrounding scenery. Therefore, vloggers who like to shoot both in urban areas and in nature, and would possibly like to go pro soon might be the proper audience for this particular model.

Pros

Compact and lightweight camera body

Excellent image quality

Superior battery life

cons

Expensive

Only 1080p video

Contrast-detection-only live view AF

Nikon 1 J5: Best Value-for-Money

Combining an old-timer look with plenty of sleek metal parts and some modern-day technology such as the flip screen display, the Nikon 1 J5 is sure to become a future classic! What's more, the controls have been elaborated so that they include all kinds of different additions and modes of functioning, so there's plenty of options to explore should you choose to go with this model.

Features

Behind the tough and, let's face it, rather good-looking body, you'll find a mighty and reliable EXPEED 5A processor built to last and power the components inside at a great speed.​​​​​

This has been designed to push the inbuilt 20.8 effective MP's a long way, and create some outstanding footage as a result. Also, for ensuring that the lighting is always optimal whenever you choose to make a shot with this camera, there's the specialized CX-format CMOS image sensor, so you get faster shutter speeds as well as low-light capabilities.

Performance

Communication-wise, this model's got a Wi-Fi model built into it, as well as NFC (near field communication) for good measure. This should suffice in providing you with enough variability to organize your shooting sessions at a certain distance whenever you feel like it, which would certainly be a plus.

Pros

Attractive retro-looking design

Powerful EXPEED 5A processor

Convenient flip screen display

cons

No viewfinder

Awkwardly-positioned Wi-Fi on/off button

Best Nikon Vlogging Camera: ​Buyer's Guide

As one of the most prominent manufacturers of filming equipment in the world, the Nikon corporation has always been delivering top-tier cameras at a wide variety of price points. Some of them, it turns out, is more suitable for the illustrious art of vlogging than the others, and if you'd like to get yourself such a model, make sure you've first taken into consideration the following important parameters.

Flip screen

Even though the inclusion of a flip screen isn't necessarily the most important feature on a vlogging camera, it can certainly be a great addition, especially if you've decided to go for one of the bulkiest models on offer.

The reason behind is that, if you can't really handle your bulky camera in a great way, at least you can have a flip screen which you can move about instead. This little display can help you take selfies, and record various situations at seemingly impossible angles.

Durability

Vlogging can get messy, and so can your effort to keep your camera out of harm's way during these grandiose times of adventure and exploration. If your vlogging sense often takes you outdoors and into the wilderness, obtaining a model which can endure all the tough conditions out there is an absolute must. This is especially true when it comes to underwater expeditions and other terrains with lots of humidity.

Handling

This particular property of a camera is possibly the most crucial one out of them all. Namely, picking the size of your filming device will determine how well you can maneuver with it around, and there are several categories you should take into consideration in this regard.

For example, if you plan to go cycling or mountaineering, you might need an extra small camera that you can attach to your helmet or vehicle. For shooting scenic images and steady footage, a bulky DSLR may be a great weapon of choice as it has a better focus and zoom.

Last but not least, if you'd like your vlogging pursuits to include half adventure-bound shenanigans and a half that's more of a peaceful filming settings, you might want to go with a model that combines the best of both worlds. Also, the cameras that would fall into this category are typically the most affordable of all, so that's a plus as well.

Best Nikon Vlogging Camera: ​The Final Words o' Wisdom

In life, there are some special moments that are definitely worth capturing on camera: your kid falling over and laughing, kittens playing with each other, crocodiles eating gazelles and biting off their limbs one by one, and maybe some birds or a birthday celebration. Whatever the occasion, having a handy vlogger's camera is a prerequisite to making the capture of these situations happen the proper way!

If you'd like to obtain one of these exquisite filming contraptions, I couldn't recommend Nikon more, as they have been a trustworthy manufacturer of all kinds of video and photo-equipment for a great number of years now. Having said that, each of the models I found is interesting in its own way and has some unique perk to it, so I'm sure you'll be able to find a model that would fit your needs​.